Eight suspects allegedly on their way to commit a robbery were killed in a shoot-out with KwaZulu Natal cops on Thursday night.

According to KZN police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda the suspects were believed to be on their way to Esikhawini, where they planned to rob a business owned by a foreign national.

He said the suspects were spotted traveling on the John Ross Highway towards Richards Bay.

"Police intercepted them and motioned for the driver to stop however the driver ignored police instruction to stop and instead sped off."

He added: "A high-speed vehicle chase ensued, and the suspects started firing shots towards the police. Police returned fire and during the shoot-out, eight suspects were shot and fatally wounded."

Police said the suspects have been linked to a recent cash-in-transit robbery that took place in the Mzingazi area.

"They were found in possession of three firearms, two replica guns and house-breaking implements.

"Investigations are underway to ascertain if the firearms are linked to other crime scenes."

Police said this shootout brings the total number of suspects shot and fatally to 10 for this week.

Speaking about the other incidents Netshiunda said on Wednesday, one suspect was shot and fatally wounded in a shoot-out with police at F Section in Umlazi.

"Police were searching for suspects who were wanted for a string of murder and cash-in-transit robbery cases when they received information about the suspects whereabouts.

"When police arrived at a residence at F Section, two suspects opened fire towards the police. One suspect was shot and fatally wounded and the other one ran into the darkness and narrowly evaded arrest."

On Thursday, another suspect was shot and fatally wounded during an altercation with police and two more were arrested at F Section in KwaMashu.

"Police had responded to reports of a vehicle which was hijacked in Phoenix. The hijacked vehicle was spotted at KwaMashu with three occupants and at the sight of police officers, one suspect got out of the vehicle and ran on foot while shooting at police officers. Police gave chase and after the shootout, the suspect was found to have sustained fatal gunshot wounds. The arrested suspects will appear in court soon."

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